Universal joint



A. 0. WILLIAM? UNIVERSAL JOINT Filed ug- 1939 KNVENTQR ATTORNEY PatentedOct. 22, 1940 2,219,144

UNITED- STATES PATENT OFFICE UNIVERSAL JOINT ,Alfred 0. Williams, BattleCreek, Mich. Application August 10, 1989, Serial No. 289,371

14 Claims. (01. 64-14) This invention relates to universal joints, andate bosses or co-acting surfaces carried by the in general concernsitself primarily with universal mating member, the intermediate spacesbeing joints for connecting two shaft sections together adapted toreceive rubber inserts which are to transmit torque therebetween. Suchjoints fastened in position by a simplified securing 5 are used fortransmitting drive from a prime means, and cannot under anycircumstances slip 5 mover to the mechanism to be driven, such as ormove whilethe assembly is in operation. The the propeller shaft in amotor vehicle or a drive cushioning means of the present invention,shaft from an electric motor to a power shaft, preferably, comprisesgenerally angle-shaped or for other drive transmitting purposes such asrubberjnserts which are confined within metallic couplings betweengenerators and motors, or beplates vulcanized thereto and shaped to fitwithin tween motors and compressors, or other mechathe spaces betweenthe arms and the mating renisms. ceptacle in such manner that it isimpossible to One of the primary objects of the present inefiectdisplacement of the inserts during operavention is to provide anassembly or joint in :tion.

which there is no metallic connection between The present joint has thedistinct advantage the shaft sections whereby they are entirely inof agreat amount of flexibility and cushioning sulated from each other bothmechanically and action, while yet retaining the positive control electrcal y. This p v s the transmission of of the torque transmission evenwhen the misnoise or vibration between the shaft sections, m; approachest maximum permissible g0 and in some installations, the electricalinsul'arange Further, t present joint is so designed tion is of distinctadvantage, especially'in cases t t the rubber inserts are open at theiroppowhere an electric motor is employed as Prlme site ends and along thesides thereof to the air mover so that any undue compression ordistortion pro- Bmafdly speakmg, the Present invention -duced in therubber during operation of the templates the use of rubber cushioningmeans joint will not result in the building up f any 25 {aetweencompamon flanges formed on the appreciable amount of heat in the insertswhich y n ends of Q Shaft sectloesrfihe rubber might have a tendency todestroy the life thereof. mg in compression for transmitting the torque,The present joint also is so designed that the and being so arranged asto resist movement torque transmission, takes place against a PM? causedby misa'unement between the Shaft q rality of relatively wide radialsurfaces with all 9 by an ar-rangement such that such of the insertscooperating to transmit the torque alinement produces shear stresses onthe same from the driving member to the driven member rubber a isemployed for transpittmg torque Thus the unit pressure on the inserts ismainfig: gg g gfi zg fig ygg gi i ig tained at a low value, resulting insmall unit presmisannement i the ecton r ults on] in sure which greatlyadds to the life andresilience s 1 y of the joint. The presentconstruction does not placing the rubber under shear and is not capablepermit an localized Stresses being imposed on of producing any permanentdeformation of the any one the inserts but provides for each of 53$ ggfig between the the inserts taking only a small portion of the full 40The present invention relates to the general load at anyfme time' designshown in my copending application, Serial other oblects advantages 0fthe present No. 226,671, filed August 25, 1938, and embodies invent-111l appear mm fully from the certain improvements and refinements in conngdetailed description which, taken in con- 5 struction which simplify theassembly and projunction with the acconlpa y ng' g, W111 5 duce a betteraction at the joint. In addition, disclose to h e skflled m e art he p ca the present construction has the distinct advanconstruction andoperation of a preferred form tage of facilitating the assembly of theparts, of t p e t ve and also the removal of the cushioning means 1 In te draw n for inspection or replacement without'requiring Figure 1 is anelevational view of a umversal o dismantling of the shaft sections.coupling embodying the joints of the present in- Primarily, the presentinvention comprises the vention; provision of a cross member secured toone shaft Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially section andhaving radially extending arm poron line 2-2 of Figure 1 with portionsbroken 5 tions which are adapted to be disposed intermediaway to showdetails of the assembly;

' cesses l3 therebetween.

Figure 3 is an end view of one of the mating members of the joint; and

Figure 4 is a similar view of a corresponding member.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, in Figure 1 there is shown acoupling arrangement between a shaft 5, which may be considered thedriving shaft, and a second shaft 6 to which torque is to betransmitted. Mounted on the end of the shaft 5 is a flange member Ihaving the hub p ion splined over the end of the shaft and havic, aradially extending disc-like face portion 8 to which is secured a firstuniversal joint member 9, the member 9 corresponding in general to theconstruction shown in Figure 4. The coupling member 9 is provided withcircumferentially spaced openings I0 which are adapted to receivesuitable bolts, such as indicated at II in Figure 1, whereby the flangeportion of the member 9 is securely bolted to the flange 8 of the member'I for conjoint rotation therewith. The member 9 is adapted to have aplurality of axially extending arm portions I2 which are of generallyangle shape and which are spaced about the face of the member 9 in suchmanner as to provide longitudinally directed slots or re- Each of thearm portions I2 is adapted to have a recessed shoulder portion asindicated at I5 in Figures 1 and 4 for a purpose to be hereinafterdescribed.

It is tobe understood that the arm portions I2 may be formed as anintegral part of the member 9, or may be separate members which arewelded or otherwise rigidly secured thereto, and the invention is not tobe limited to the exact showing as to the manner in which the arms arecarried by the member 9. Extending into telescoping relation withrespect to the member 9 is a mating coupling member, indicated generallyat I6 and shown in detail in Figure 3. The member I5 is provided with anintermediate tubular portionl'i provided with a flanged end I8 to whichmay be secured in any suitable manner a torque transmitting shaft ortube, such as generally shown at I 9. The opposite end of the member I6is provided with radially extending arm portions 20, these arm portionspreferably decreasing in thickness toward the outer ends thereof andbeing arranged in diametrically opposed pairs to form four projectingarm portions which are adapted to enter the recesses I3 and to besubstantially centered therein, thereby providing opposed wedge shapedspaces between the walls of the arms I2 and the lateral surfaces of thearms 29.

Interposed between the arms 20 and the arms I2 are rubber cushioningmembers such as shown in detail in Figures 1 and 2. Each of these rubbercushioning members comprises a rubber body portion 22 which is providedon opposite lateral surfaces thereof with thin metallic plates,indicated at 23 and 24, the plate'23 being curved to the shape of thedefining surfaces of the arms I2, while the plate 24 is curved to extendbetween the adjacent lateral surfaces of adjacent arms 20 on the memberI6. As a result, these inserts are of generally angle shape and extendbetween two adjacent arms 20 of the member i6, and the intermediate armI2 of the member 9 complete filling this space. The shoulder portions I5on the arms l2 serveto provide inward limiting stops for the plates 23,thereby limiting inward movement of the plates 23 with respect to themember 9 to provide for accurate positioning of the members I9 and 9 intelescoping relation.

The inserts are wedge shaped to conform to.

therethrough to the member 9, or for receiving torque. from the member9. The inserts are locked on the arms 20 by means of the stud members 26which extend'through openings formed in the arms, and which atopposite-ends, are pro-,

vided with washers 21 engaging over the edges of the plates 24 atopposite ends thereof, thereby locking the plates 24 securely against,relative axial movement with respect to the arms 20. Inasmuch as theplates 24 are vulcanized to the body members 22, as are the plates 23,this provides for positive locking of the rubber inserts 22 againstaxial movement relative to either the member 9 or the member I6. As afurther preventative for such movement and to secure the plate 23against any lateral movement, the arm portions I2 are provided withtapped openings 28 adapted to receive suitable cap screws 29 threadedtherein and provided with washers 30 of a diameter such as to extendover the adjacent edge of the corner portion of the plates 23, therebysecurely holding these plates against the shoulders I5 and thus lockingthe plates 23 against axial movement relative to the arms I2. It willtherefore be apparent that the inserts are locked securely againstrelative movement with respect to either the arms 20 or the arms I2, butare free to be compressed in a circumferential direction for thetransmission of torque, and are also free to accommodate shear stressescaused by relative angular displacement between the members 9 and I8which may be occasioned by misalinement of the shaft s I :tions.

It is furthermore apparent that upon removal of the cap screws 29, theentire joint may be disassembled and the inserts may be replaced if sodesired by merely moving the same out of engagement between the adjacentarms 20. This facilitates both the assembly of the joint to operatingposition and also the disassembly of the joint for inspection orreplacement of any portions thereof.

In the assembly shown in Figure 1 the torque of the shaft 5 istransmitted to the member 9, and from this member is transmitted throughthe arms [2 to the arms 20 of the coupling member I6 by the compressionof those portions of the inserts 22 disposed between the arms I2 and thearms 20 in the direction of rotation. This results in compression ofcorresponding leg portions of each of the inserts 22 in the assembly,thereby dividing the total torque among al of the inserts so that only asmall unit compression is produced. This is materially facilitated alsoby the relatively large bearing surface between the arms and the insertswhich distributes this compression over a considerable area of theinsert.

The torque transmitted to the coupling member described. However, in thesecond joint assembly, the action is reversed as the torque istransmitted from the arms. 20 through the inserts to the arms l2 andthence through the member 9 5 to the shaft 6. In such case, thecompression is exerted between the arms 20 and the arms l2 through theleg portions of the inserts disposed on the compression side of theassembly with respect to the direction of rotation thereof.

It will be apparent from the drawing that as the shaft sections 6 and 5are not in axial alinement, there will be a tendency for the members IEto cock with respect to the members 9: This cocking action results inshear stresses beingimposed on the inserts 22, the shear being inopposite directions during each half revolution of the section. However,the rubber in shear is capable of withstanding extremely high stresseswhen vulcanized in sandwich form, as are the inserts 22. Thisshearstress within the limits of maximum misalinement is readily accommodateddue to the fact that all leg portions of the inserts take a portion ofthis stress, and it is consequently distributed so that no one sectionhas any localized stresses imposed thereon.

It will be apparent that there is no necessity for locking the insertsagainst'radial displacement, since by reason of their angleconstruction, they are securely held against any radial movementrelative to the arms or the arms l2. Thus it is only necessary to lockthe plates 23 and 24 against possible longitudinal movement with respectto the arms inorder to insure proper functioning of the joint. Thislocking means ashas been previously explained is so designed as tofacilitate assembly and disassembly of the joint structure.

It should also be pointed out that the ends of the rubber inserts 22 areopen radially to air, as are also the side walls thereof, there being aspace provided between the flange portion of the member 9 and the pointto which the inserts are telescoped with respect to the arms l2. Thisallows for free circulation of air over the surfaces of the rubber sothat any heat causedby distortion of the members due to torque andmisalinement stresses is readily distributed.

I am aware that various changes may be made in certain details of thelocking and assembly principles herein involved, and I therefore do notintend to be limited except as defined by the scope and spirit of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A universal joint comprising a first coupling member having L-shapedaxially projecting arms spaced in such manner as to form a generallycross-shaped axial recess, a second coupling member having a series ofradially extending tapered arms received in the arm portions of saidrecess when axially located therein, the arms of the coupling membersdefining L-shaped recesses when so located, and a plurality of separaterubber inserts of generally L-shape having thin metallic platesvulcanized thereto and engaged with said arms to position said insertsin said recesses for mechanically and electrically separating saidcoupling members.

' 2. A universal joint assembly comprising a pair of joint members, onemember having radially extending arms and the other member havingprojecting arm means adapted to axially receive said arms and to definetherewith. generally L-shaped recesses between adjacent arms, and

a plurality of separate correspondingly shaped 75 rubber .in'sertssecured in said recesses and subjected to compression for transmittingtorque between said members.

3. A universal joint assembly comprising a first joint member includinga disc portion and circumferentially spaced axially projecting arms, 5'adjacent arms defining therebetween axial recesses, a second jointmember having radially extending arms adapted to be received axially insaid recesses and to define with said first-named arms radiallyextending wedge-shape openings 10 communicating at the radial inner endsthereof with similar openings formed by adjacent arms, and a pluralityof tapered L.-shaped inserts having the arms thereof disposed inadjacent openings. j

4. In combination, a first universal joint member having axially"projecting arms forming a generally cross-shaped axialrecess, a secondmember having a center portion with radially extending arms adapted tobe axially telescoped 20 7 into said recess and spaced therefrom, and aplurality of separate resilient L-shaped inserts disposed between saidradial arms and said axially extending arms with the leg portionsthereof extending radially along adjacent surfaces of adjacent radialarms.

5. A universal joint assembly comprising a first coupling member havinga disc portion and a plurality of arms projecting axially from the facethereof and spaced to form a generally crossshaped axial recess, asecond coupling member having a. hub centered in said recess andradially extending arms centered between said firstnamed arms, rubberinserts comprising rubber body portions having thin metallic platesbonded to opposite sides thereof, one of said plates engaging theadjacent lateral surfaces of two adjacent radial arms, and the otherplate engaging the corresponding adjacent surfaces of one of saidaxially projecting arms disposed therebetween. I

' 6. The assembly of claim 5 further characterized in the provision ofmeans spacing said inserts away from the face of said disc portion,

'7. The assembly of claim 5 including means for spacing the surfaces ofsaid body portions not bonded to said plates away from contact with anyportions of said coupling members.

, 8. A universal joint comprising a' pair of coupling members havingradially disposed forcetransmitting elements on the adjacent facesthereof adapted to telescope axially in operative relation and inoperative relation defining a plurality of circumferentially spacedL-shaped recesses each including outermost relatively wide I portionstapering inwardly to an intermediate relatively narrow connectingportion, and a separate force-transmitting unit disposed in each of saidrecesses. comprising a pair of metallic L-shaped plates of differentangularity and an 00,

L-shaped rubber insert disposed between and vulcanized to said plates,said plates being arranged relative to one another with thecorresponding arm .portions thereof diverging outwardly and the unitsbeing disposed under compression in said recesses in force-transmittingre-. lation to said elements to transmit force of compression uniformlythroughout the surfaces thereof engaging the elements.

9. A universal joint comprising a pair of (0 coupling members havingradially disposed forcetransmitting elements adapted to telescopeaxially in operative relation and in operative relation defining aplurality of circumferentially spaced L -shaped recesses eachincludingoutermostrela- 7b tively wide portions tapering-inwardly tointermediate relatively narrow connecting portion, and a separateforce-transmitting unit disposed in each of said recesses comprising apair of L-shaped plates of different angularity and an L-shaped rubberinsert disposed between and vulcanized to said plates, said plates beingarranged relative to one another with the corresponding arm portionsthereof diverging outwardly and the units being disposed in saidrecesses in force-transmitting relation to said elements to transmitforce of compression uniformly throughout the surfaces thereof engagingthe elements.

10. A universal joint comprising a pair of coupling members havingradially disposed forcetran'smitting elements adapted to telescopeaxiallyin operative relation and in operative relation defining aplurality of circumferentially spaced L-shaped recesses, and a separateforce-transmitting unit disposed in each of-said recesses comprising apair of plates and an L-shaped rubber insert disposed between andvulcanized to said plates, said units being disposed in said recesses inforce-transmitting relation to said elements to transmit force ofcompression uniformly throughout the surfaces thereof engaging theelements.

11. A universal joint comprising a pair of coupling members havingradially disposed forcetransmitting elements adapted to telescopeaxially in operative relation and in operative relation defining aplurality of circumferentially spaced L-shaped recesses, and a. separateforce-transmitting unit disposed in each of said recesses comprising apair of metallic L-shaped plates and an L-shaped rubber insert disposedbetween and vulcanized to said plates, said units being disposed undercompression in said recesses in force-transmitting relation to saidelements to transmit force of compression uniformly throughout thesurfaces thereof engaging the elements.

12. A universal joint comprising a coupling member having a plurality ofradially extending arms tapering outwardly, a further coupling memberhaving L-shaped elements spaced circumferentially thereon to provide agenerally cross-shaped recess telescopingly receiving said arms, saidelementsand arms defining generally L-shaped recesses when said couplingmembers are in operative position with said arms and elements in axiallytelescoping relation, and a plurality of separate force-transmittingunits disposed in said recesses, each comprising a pair of L-shapedplates adapted respectively to engage said arms and elements inforce-transmittin relation thereto and having a rubber insert disposedbetween the same and vulcanized thereto throughout theforce-transmitting area thereof, said units being eflective to transmitforce between said arms and elements only,by compression.

13. A universal joint comprising a coupling member having a plurality ofradially extending arms tapering outwardly, .a further coupling memberhaving elements spaced circumferentially thereon to provide a generallycross-shaped recess'telescopingly receiving said arms, said elements andarms defining generally L-shaped recesses when said coupling members arein operative position with said arms and elements in axially telescopingrelation, and a plurality of separate force-transmitting units disposedin said recesses, each comprising a pair of L-shaped plates adaptedrespectively to engage said arms and elements in force-transmittingrelation thereto and having a rubber insert disposed between the sameand vulcanized thereto, said units being effective to transmit forcebetween said arms and elements only by compression.

14; In a universal joint including a-pair of coupling members providedwith circumferentialto and having a rubber insert disposed between thesame and vulcanized thereto throughout the force-transmitting areathereof, said units being effective to transmit force between saidelements only by compression.

ALFRED O. WILLIAMS.

